Data Lessen Chance of Imminent BOJ Moves

TOKYO—Japan's first nationwide inflation figures following a sales tax increase showed stronger-than-expected price growth, leading economists to further push back their expectations for fresh stimulus steps by the Bank of Japan.

Since the country's sales tax increased at the beginning of April, officials have been worried that the economy might lose its momentum, posing a major hurdle to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's drive to end...